HEARING ON BIG PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT ON GANSEVOORT STREET
Monday, October 19
Please attend/write!

Dear friend,

GVSHP is opposing plans for the massive transformation of the south side of Gansevoort Street in the heart of the Gansevoort Market Historic District. Plans have been filed with the Landmarks Preservation Commission to allow the demolition of two buildings, construction of two new buildings (one of which would reach 120 feet in height), and large scale additions to this iconic row of former meat market buildings -- view the proposal here.

Because the proposal is located in the Gansevoort Market Historic District which GVSHP proposed and helped secure designation of in 2003, any plans for alterations to these buildings must go through a public hearing and review process, and can only proceed if approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission as “appropriate” for the site and its context within the designated historic district.

The first step in that process is a hearing at the Community Board #2 Landmarks Committee, which will take place on Monday, October 19 at the Scholastic Building Auditorium, 557 Broadway (south of Prince Street). The meeting begins at 6, but the committee is not expected to get to this item before 7:15pm. Questions and testimony will be taken from the public, and the board will vote on its advisory opinion on the application. While we are very optimistic that the board will also see how incredibly inappropriate this proposal will be, a strong turnout will certainly help, and send a message to the applicant, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and elected officials how strongly this community opposes this application.

GVSHP has already written to the Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission urging that the plan be rejected (letter here). While growth and change can and should be allowed in our historic districts, this plan would fundamentally alter the character of this landmarked block which serves as a gateway to the Meatpacking District, the West Village, the High Line, the Whitney Museum, and the Hudson River Park. To allow such radical change and obliteration of the historic character of this neighborhood would obviate the purpose of landmark designation, and deliver a terrible blow to this neighborhood and to preservation citywide. Read more about the history of the Gansevoort Market Historic District here and of these buildings here.

GVSHP first proposed landmark designation of the Meatpacking District in 2000 and working with other community and preservation organizations and local elected officials secured designation of much of the neighborhood in 2003.

This block of Gansevoort Street was always central to our preservation efforts and is crucial to the identity of this iconic, historic area.

HOW TO HELP:

Attend the Community Board #2 Landmarks Committee hearing on Monday, October 19 at 7:15 pm at the Scholastic Building Auditorium, 557 Broadway (south of Prince Street) to show opposition to the plan.